Central High School Starts Modernization Project

The beginning of construction on the modernization project at Central High School is a cause for celebration for the Phoenix Union High School District.

The project consists of the addition of roughly 6,000 square feet to the school cafeteria and expansion of Central High’s popular Culinary Program through a new culinary lab space and demonstration space. The renovations will also include an enhanced school registration area with an emphasis on safety and security. With the school located on Central Avenue, there are also plans for an upgraded entryway to provide a more inviting appearance.

Home to 2,071 students, Central High was built in 1958.

While construction takes place, Central High students will paint a “mural fence” around the cafeteria that can be utilized as a background for social media posts for students. The artistic effort will provide a unique way to recognize and bring attention to the project.

“One of our main initiatives this year is to build positive relationships, so I am really looking forward to seeing our students and staff enjoy the larger cafeteria. Central High School will feel more like a college campus, and it will provide the space to connect people to one another,” said Central High School Principal Leticia Avalos. “In addition, our Culinary Arts Program will continue to thrive as a result of the modernization project. Our teachers are incredibly enthusiastic about the future of the program. This is simply an exciting time to be a Bobcat!”

With the modernization set to conclude in March 2019, McCarthy Building Companies will serve as the general contractor, while the architect will be Orcutt Winslow. The school will remain open throughout construction.

“Both McCarthy and Orcutt Winslow have been great partners to work with. They are friendly, professional and communicate regularly on the progress of the project. As a new principal, I could not be happier with the selection,” Avalos added.

Costing $9 million, the project will be funded through a bond measure for district facility improvements that was approved during the November 2017 election.